Douglas County awards $492,659 design contract for Griggs Road Phase 2, aims for 2027 construction

The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 2 to approve a public contract with RS&H for engineering design services on the Griggs Road Phase 2 improvement project, County Project CI2025-025, at a contract value of $492,659.

County transportation staff described the project as the final gravel-road connection into Highlands Ranch and said the work would include a 24-foot-wide asphalt roadway with curb and gutter, a parallel paved trail, and a roundabout at the north end to act as a traffic-calming device.

"This is the last gravel road connection to Highlands Ranch," Amy Strathopoulos, project presenter for Douglas County Pavement Management, said during the meeting. She told commissioners the design contract includes a virtual open house for public outreach and coordination with the Highlands Ranch Community Association.

Staff detailed other safety elements planned for Phase 2: flattening and widening of a tight turn near the trailhead, installation plans by County traffic engineers for a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the trailhead crossing, and a parallel trail connecting the neighborhood to the trailhead.

Strathopoulos said the county received three proposals and selected RS&H based on the highest composite score and a competitive fee. "Design is expected next summer," she added, with bid documents to be prepared the following fall and the construction contract bid in winter; staff said they are aiming for 2027 construction. Staff estimated the construction cost at about $3,000,000, subject to competitive bidding.

Commissioners and members of the public who spoke in support highlighted coordination with open-space plans. "With this plan, it's going to really reduce the impact on those homeowners that back up to what will be that open space," Commissioner Ben Winkle said, praising county and community coordination to preserve nearby open space while improving the corridor.

The motion to approve the RS&H contract carried unanimously. The recorded meeting did not specify individual vote counts; the board announced the motion as carried unanimously.

The county said it will coordinate timing with the adjacent Wildcat Reserve Park project and will host public outreach through the virtual open house during design.

Project identifiers and schedule details provided at the meeting: contract amount $492,659; approximate construction cost $3,000,000 (to be finalized at bid); design completion "next summer"; construction bid in winter; target construction in 2027.